Lift kit?

This is a discussion on Lift kit? within the Commander Suspension Modifications forums, part of the Can-Am Commander Technical Discussion category; I have been doing some reading on this subject. Not too sure what to do. I have a '13 1000XT. I also have a set ...

I have been doing some reading on this subject. Not too sure what to do. I have a '13 1000XT. I also have a set of Walker Evans 2.0 shocks in the mail according to Brian @ WE.

I read about the "puck" lift but I don't think I can use that with the WE shocks. I am also not sure if I can just crank up the preload to get a mild 1.5 inch lift like you can with the FOX equipped X.

Anyone else? I am curious if there will be any issues with the lift and the WE shocks. I saw that the Fox shocks can get a mild lift with the preload adjustment and add the Highlifter there could be problems. I would need to measure the ride height and make sure the lift doesn't add more than 2" with the new shocks. But then, shouldn't I be able to get 1-2" lift with preload alone? I'd rather not go that way since you are really just boosting the spring rate. I know on my KTM you aren't supposed to exceed X amount of preload.

I will assume the shocks your are buying have a threaded preload that allows you to adjust ride height. There are three styles of lift kits and they all do it differently. The puck spacer kit merely increases the spring preload on the shocks just like the threaded preload style shocks do. The bracket kit changes the top location of the shock outwards pushing the supension down to increase lift and the third is a replacement of the arms that has the lift built into the design. IMHO the first two will only tax the CVs and give you a stiffer ride. The third will also tax the CVs somewhat however the ride will be better.

The stock shocks are also adjustable, so I would believe that it's safe, for the machine to be at the same ride height with aftermarket shocks.
When you adjust the height, you're not changing the spring rate, that can only be done by changing the spring. You're actually just riding higher on the shock, but if you go to high, you'll start hitting internal bump stops and decreasing ride comfort.
Also, I haven't done it with the commander, but have in other similar applications. Moving the bottom shock perch 1" does not always give 1" of ride height. Sometimes they're mounted in a way that the height change is compounded due to the position of the shock, so 1/2" increase in shock length, can produce 3/4" - 1" of increase in ride height.
Not sure if this is helpful or pertinent, just felt like blurting out useless info

I just got a 2013 commander 1000xt also a few weeks ago... I was looking at lifts and can not decide between the 2" puck lift or the 4" lift from catvos... problem im running into is wondering how the 4" lift handles and if it is constantly snapping axels or not...